Dec. 5, 2006

Northwest Conference Picks Brandeberry as Player of Week

Junior forward Jared Brandeberry (Cashmere, Wash. / Wenatchee Valley College), who has been a huge part of the Lutes’ early season success, earned Northwest Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors after leading the Lutes to a 2-0 start in Northwest Conference play.

Brandeberry had 15 points and 13 rebounds in an 85-79 victory against Linfield last Friday and 25 points and five rebounds in a 90-84 triumph over Willamette on Saturday night. Besides averaging 20 points and nine rebounds, he contributed a total of six assists and four steals in the two wins.

For the season, Brandeberry is second on the team in scoring (16.8 ppg) and tied for second in rebounding (7.5 rpg). He is shooting 65 percent from the field, including 60 percent (9-of-15) from three-point range.

Brandeberry is the first PLU men’s basketball player to earn the NWC Player of the Week award since guard Parker Barth and forward Neil Mendez won back-to-back awards during the 2000-01 season. Barth was honored Dec. 17, 2000, and Mendez earned the recognition on Jan. 7, 2001.

Pacific Lutheran, off to its first 4-0 start since the 1990-91 season, returns to action on Thursday with a road game against NCAA Division I opponents Portland State University. The Vikings enter the game with a 5-3 overall record and a five-game home winning streak. Tip off at Stott Center is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

- PLU -